Amanda Nelson, LMFT

Amanda Nelson, LMFT

Philosophy Of Care

It takes a lot of courage to seek help. I believe that every client has the ability to become the best version of themselves through determination, hard work, and a collaborative therapeutic relationship. As your therapist, my goal is to help you discover your inner strength and connect with your true self. I provide a warm and safe environment in which you can learn skills to help you manage self-defeating behaviors, painful feelings and thought patterns, reduce stress and improve personal efficiency, and experience love and happiness as a part of your daily life.

Education and Licensure

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist(LMFT)

M.A., Antioch University, Santa Barbara, June 2012

B.A., University of Santa Barbara, California, June 2009

Clinical Experience

Throughout my career, I have worked in a variety of settings including community mental health clinics, inpatient hospitals, crisis shelters, and residential treatment centers. I completed my first internship at The Mental Wellness Center in Santa Barbara, California where I provided individual and group therapy for individuals seeking treatment for Bipolar Disorder, depression, anxiety and substance abuse. At Noah’s Anchorage Youth Crisis Shelter I provided therapy and crisis intervention for troubled adolescents and their families. Issues at this clinic ranged from domestic violence and family conflict to trauma and abuse. At Salt Lake Behavioral Health, I treated adult clients with substance abuse issues and severe mental illness. I also provided individual and group therapy for active members of the military who were diagnosed with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), anxiety disorders, and depression.

Most recently, I provided individual, group, and family therapy for adolescents and their families at Provo Canyon School, a long-term residential treatment facility in Springville, Utah. In this setting, I treated survivors of trauma, abuse, and neglect who presented with suicidal ideation, self-harm, attachment issues, substance abuse, and defiant behavior. I provided trauma-focused group therapy that included a blend of cognitive, experiential, art, and mindfulness-based therapies. Finally, I utilized family-systems based therapies to assist parents and caregivers in improving their parenting, developing healthy boundaries, and strengthening their relationships with their partners and children.